More than 250 fifth through sixth grade girls explored the world of math and science and all of its possibilities at the Seventh Annual Math and Science AKAdemy, held in March at Glencrest Sixth Grade Center.
This math and science camp hosted by the Fort Worth chapter of the Beta Mu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., seeks to enhance young girls’ awareness of the importance of math and science in school, everyday life and future careers.
Thirty-six Fort Worth schools sent students to participate in the one-day program that included a series of workshops. The girls participated in workshops that covered managing money, engineering, public health, technology and much more, with titles such as: Flying High with SOFIA, Dollars and Sense and Puzzles and Math.
Tiony Cooper, a fifth grader from Atwood McDonald Elementary, learned the importance of saving money and understanding the difference between needs and wants. She learned that food and shelter are needs but going shopping for clothes is a want.
“I have learned the value of saving and I will start saving my allowance,” she said.
Tina Cooper, the mother of Tiony said, “This event shows young girls how to apply math and science to things they do every day. The Fort Worth chapter of AKA understands the importance of engaging and getting more young girls excited about pursuing careers in math and science.”
More than 25 presenters and 38 sponsors assisted with the math and science camp.
Event coordinator Beverly Butler said the partnership with Glencrest Sixth Grade Center and other community partners are vital to the program’s continued success.
Community sponsors included: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Bert C. Williams, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth, Calvin Harris, State Farm Insurance, Cecil Nutall, Allstate Insurance, Chase Bank, City of Fort Worth Water Department, Commissioner Roy C. Brooks, Computer Science Corporation, Constable, Chester Luckett, DFW Care Center, EECU, Evans Floor Service, Fort Worth Housing Authority, Fort Worth Promotional, FSA, FWISD, Girl Scouts of Texas/Oklahoma Plains, Kids Stop Dental (Drs. Barnett), Lisa Woodard, Lockheed Martin, Lowes Home Improvement, Metroplex Housing Counselors, Norma Roby, R.D. Howard Roofing Company, Ricky Hardin (Subway), Serenity Funeral Home, Society of Black Engineers, State Representative Marc Veasey, Tarrant County College, Tarrant County Medical Services, T.A. Sims, Attorney Thomas L.G. Ross, Unity One Federal Credit Union, UNT Health Science Center, Wal-Mart, 9-1-1 Emergency Service and Tameka Seawood.